LIFELINE WA Counselling
We’re here to support you
Separation or losing someone you love can turn life upside down. Grief looks different for everyone, and healing takes time. Our free grief and separation counselling service is available to people across Western Australia, offering up to 12 sessions over 12 months.
Your counsellor will support you to understand and process your grief or feelings about separation, navigate changes and setbacks, and reconnect with your strengths and support networks. Together, you’ll build healthy coping strategies, improve communication with loved ones, and develop practical steps to move toward emotional stability and wellbeing.
Before applying, please view our eligibility requirements below.
Am I eligible for Lifeline WA’s free counselling?
This service is for:
- Parents separating or recently separated (within 24 months), with dependants.
- Parents who have lost a partner or child (within 24 months).
- Children and young people (ages 6–25) impacted by parental separation or bereavement of a caregiver or sibling.
- Extended family or caregivers affected by separation or loss.
This service is not suitable for:
- Adults without children.
- Bereaved adults with non-dependent children.
- People experiencing crisis (e.g. housing, family violence, addiction, or severe trauma).
Is this right for my child?
Separation
Children may feel confused or anxious during and after parental separation. Our counsellors help children make sense of these changes and support parents in responding with care and understanding.
Bereavement
Children grieve differently than adults. Some bounce back quickly; others may feel prolonged distress. Our child-friendly approach provides a safe, supportive environment to help young people explore their emotions and adjust to loss.
Free counselling available across WA
Access up to 12 sessions of confidential grief and separation support in person, by phone or online. We’re here to help you reconnect, rebuild and find your way forward. For additional questions call us on 9261 4498, or email counselling@lifelinewa.org.au.
Journeys through the Lifeline WA counselling program
Meet Gareth
Gareth, a father of two, shares the experience of his journey through the Lifeline WA counselling program, which includes workshops and individual counselling. Discover the valuable skills he developed to support himself and his two sons in navigating family separation with resilience, understanding and compassion.
Meet Kelly
Kelly opens up about her journey through grief counselling, where she explored the complexities of her relationship with her mother and processed the emotions that surfaced after her passing. Hear how counselling helped Kelly understand the physical impacts of grief, equipped her with practical tools and deepened her connection to her authentic self.
Lifeline WA is here to listen 24/7
If you or someone you know needs support, our call, text, and online chat services are available 24/7.
Need urgent help?
In an emergency call Triple Zero 000
Meet our team
Kate – Clinical Lead & Counsellor
Kate brings deep experience in culturally safe, trauma-informed counselling. Kate works from a person-centred and strengths-based approach while integrating CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy and expressive modalities in working with children, youth, and adults.
Peta (she/her) – Counsellor
Peta uses a range of therapeutic approaches to support clients with grief, relationship challenges, and mental health concerns. Her warm, empathetic and collaborative style helps people feel at ease and find healing.
Sasha (she/her) – Counsellor
Sasha is a caring counsellor who supports children, young people, and families through grief, anxiety, and relationship challenges. Using a strength-based and ACT approach, she brings creativity and compassion into her work, creating a safe space where clients feel heard, build resilience, and grow with confidence.
Yovana (she/her) – Counsellor
Yovana is a compassionate counsellor who takes a holistic, psychodynamic approach to supporting individuals through life’s challenges. She fosters a respectful and non-judgemental environment where clients can explore their experiences at their own pace. Through collaborative work, Yovana supports deeper self-understanding, emotional processing, and meaningful personal growth.
Lifeline WA
Additional support
If you’re in crisis, please reach out to one of the following services:
Lifeline
13 11 14
1800 RESPECT
1800 737 732
Alcohol & Drug Information
1800 250 015
National Debt Helpline
1800 007 007
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
MensLine Australia
1300 78 99 78
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
Need urgent help?
In an emergency call Triple Zero 000
Frequently asked questions
How much does this service cost?
Lifeline WA’s counselling services are completely free. If you meet our eligibility requirements, you can submit a referral form. Once your eligibility is confirmed, a member of our team will contact you to discuss the next steps.
How can I attend my appointment?
- In person at our Subiaco office
- Via phone
- Via Zoom
What happens in counselling?
Each counselling session is tailored to your needs. Our counsellors use a variety of therapeutic approaches to help you explore your thoughts and feelings, build practical skills, and work towards your goals. Your counsellor will explain the different approaches and work with you to ensure you are comfortable with the pace and focus of your sessions.
How can I refer for counselling?
You can self-refer using our online referral form or by calling us on 9261 4498. Referrals can also be made by family members or other support services.
How does the counselling process work?
After we receive your referral, we’ll contact you for a short assessment. If our service is the right fit, we’ll book your first session.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. We’ll explain confidentiality clearly during your initial appointment.
How you can help
Volunteer
Your time can help us save lives. Explore volunteering opportunities with Lifeline WA.
Fundraise
Create your own fundraising page or download our fundraising kit.
Partnerships
We rely on the generosity of our philanthropic and corporate partners to sustain our life-saving work.
Donate today
Support our 24/7 crisis services to allow us to be there for West Australians in need.